White Wind (12 page)

Golden Eagle gathered Sarah close and closed her eyes with a gentle kiss. “Let us sleep now. Tomorrow marks your first day and you will need to be rested.” Soon her breathing calmed and grew heavy and even.

Golden Eagle rose up on one elbow as Sarah rolled onto her side. He watched her sleep for a long while. Lying back down, he turned slightly and drew her closer, pillowing her head on his shoulder. She was his now. No longer could she deny this attraction. This was where she belonged. She would see this too.

Appeased at having spewed his seed within her, Golden Eagle closed his eyes, content and ready to sleep.

His eyes opened suddenly as a thought came to mind. Not a bad idea, he mused. One that could work, if the Great Spirit was willing.

And on that secret thought, he slept, arms cradled protectively around Sarah.

Dawning of the new day found the village buzzing with activity. The sky was overcast, thick gray clouds gathered overhead and the promise of rain drifted on the breeze. Meals were hastily consumed inside amid much discussion as daily tasks were assigned. Each individual, no matter the age, would be allotted duties.

Five young braves under the supervision of three aging warriors gathered by the stream for instruction before they left to go hunting. The elders would teach the boys how to use larger bows, arrows and spears. The aging men enjoyed the task. It made them feel useful and it was a source of fun and learning for the boys.

Fathers and brothers rode out to hunt fresh meat, scout for nearby enemies or search for saplings for new arrows.

A group of seasoned warriors gathered to ready themselves for their given task. They were to search for herds of buffalo.

They would then report to the council the locations, numbers and conditions of the great shaggy beasts. The meat from the buffalo provided the bulk of their winter food, warm furs and other needs. It would take most of the summer and fall days to gather and prepare what would be needed to sustain them through the harsh winter months.

Hawk Eyes had also decided that they should pay a visit to the village of Chief White Cloud, delivering many fine gifts of furs and horses to the father of Wild-Flower.

Inside his tipi, Golden Eagle dressed and readied himself to join the others. He wore his plain, everyday moccasins and breechclout and packed formal wear for the celebrating that would be held in his honor.

It was time for him to leave. Past time. He squatted down on powerful haunches beside the sleeping girl and leaned forward to tenderly push a stray lock of blond hair from Sarah’s face. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful, that he fought the urge to lay beside her and take her back into his arms.

He debated whether he should wake her to let her know he was leaving. There had been no time the night before for him to inform her. As much as he wanted to wake her, he decided to let her sleep. He knew she was exhausted. The strain of all she’d been through had finally taken its toll. The rest would do her good, he finally decided.

Watching for precious moments, he knew without doubt he was falling in love with this spirited girl who’d been a part of his memories for so long. Swiftly and without mercy, she was piercing his heart Shaking his head at the predicament he found himself in, Golden Eagle rose with dignity.

Deep in thought, he silently let himself out, filling his lungs with crisp morning air.

Striding purposely to his parents’ tipi, he entered and called to Seeing Eyes. He leaned forward to speak quickly. Seeing Eyes gave a nod of agreement.

Pleased with his mother’s response, he joined the waiting warriors, ignoring their teasing comments as to why he was the last to arrive. Their grins held a touch of envy. With thundering hooves, they headed into the thick woods that hid their tribe from enemies.

Sarah woke a long time later to laughter, excited yells of children and barking dogs. Slowly she opened heavy lids. It took a few moments for her to remember where she was and why. Turning slightly, she saw she was alone.

Scattered bits and pieces of the night before flashed before her. The campfire, her nightmare and the tenderness of Golden Eagle comforting her. Another dream. One so real, so passionate. Perplexed, she drew her fair brows together. Surely that had been a dream. Hadn’t it? They didn’t… Did they?

Sarah sat, the thick fur fell and cool air brushed against her naked breasts. Her skin flushed pink. Last night had not been a dream. It came back to her clearly. She tried to stand, but fell back against the warm bedding with a soft moan.

The stiffness and soreness she felt between her legs was all the proof she needed of Golden Eagle’s lovemaking the night before.

She massaged her aching temples with the tips of her fingers, and scenes from last night replayed in her mind. The feelings and responses this warrior evoked in her didn’t bear thinking about. He didn’t even have to touch her to start her pulse racing.

Sarah stared into space, determined to close her mind to the ecstasy she had experienced and longed to experience again.

How could she have given herself to him so completely? She silently berated herself. Brooding in her confusion, she could feel her anger rising. With a deep sigh, she closed her eyes in shame as honesty won. It would be so easy to blame Golden Eagle. But it wouldn’t be right to do so. She had given herself to him willingly, had even begged him to love her, to take her on that wondrous ride.

“How can I face him after last night?” Sarah groaned and buried her head in her hands. “I can’t. I’ll die of humiliation,” she cried out loud. She lifted her head, took a deep breath and pushed aside the covers. She needed to get up and dress before he returned. To be naked in the dark was one thing. To be caught unclothed in full daylight was an entirely different matter.

Standing, Sarah looked for her clothing, wondering where Golden Eagle had gone. Surely he wouldn’t just leave her alone. She didn’t know where to go or what was expected of her. Shaking her head at her conflicting emotions, she muttered to herself, “Sarah, get a hold of yourself! Make up your mind. Either you want to see him or you don’t!”

She heard a sound outside. Thinking it might be Golden Eagle, Sarah grabbed the covers and covered herself quickly, looking around for a place to hide. She couldn’t face him yet. As there was no place to go, she stood facing the door as the flap was shoved aside.

“So, you wake. Good morning, child. You need bath and food.” The owner of the softly spoken words entered the tipi. “I am Seeing Eyes. Golden Eagle my son. He ask I come, take care of you while he away.” She explained, talking slowly, as if spending much time choosing and forming her words.

Sarah recognized Golden Eagle’s mother. They had not been introduced or spoken to each other last night, but she had noticed the gracefully aging woman sitting quietly in the chief’s tipi. As she had last night, Sarah wondered how it was that so many of Golden Eagle’s people spoke English. She would ask Golden Eagle when she saw him. Then his mother’s words sank in. Golden Eagle was away?

Meeting the older woman’s gaze, Sarah felt the fur slip. Snatching it to her chin, she covered her flushed skin as she looked away from those knowing eyes. “You said Golden Eagle is away. Where did he go?”

Clucking her tongue in motherly fashion, Seeing Eyes crossed to the embarrassed Sarah. “My son go to search for herds of buffalo. He be gone many moons. White girl not to worry. You safe with us.”

Setting a bowl of steaming water at her feet, she handed Sarah a small scrap of softened leather and turned away. “I leave. Bathe now. I return with…” Seeing Eyes stopped to think a moment and grabbed a handful of her deerskin skirt. “Dress,” she finished, a wide grin on her face. She was proud of her English. It had been a while since she’d last spoken the white man’s tongue.

Sarah watched Seeing Eyes step out, her heavily accented words registering. “Wait,” she called out. “I have clothes. You don’t need to bring…” She stopped in midsentence as Golden Eagle’s mother turned and shook her head.

Seeing Eyes studied the white girl her son wanted. “No, child,” she patiently explained. “You not wear white man’s clothes here. You dress as one of us.”

Seeing Eyes held one hand up to forestall the argument Sarah was ready to voice.

“Easier for you if you dress as one of us. You be more easily accepted,” Seeing Eyes finished.

“But…” Sarah swallowed her protest, unable to fault the older woman’s logic. She gave in. Suddenly it was important that she get approval from these people.

As soon as the flap shut, Sarah reached for the warm water. Thankful for the privacy, she quickly bathed and wrapped herself in one of the blankets.

She paced around the tipi, careful not to step in the altar behind the fire pit. Golden Eagle had taken only enough time yesterday to instruct her that normally women in his tribe moved to the left side of the tipi, while the men went to the right. He explained that the square area on the floor directly behind the fire was the altar, and pointed out his warrior’s equipment that no woman must ever touch.

Sarah wondered what would be expected of her in her new role as she awaited the return of Seeing Eyes. A sigh escaped. She hoped she would not cause shame to Golden Eagle. She owed him that much at least.

Steps outside interrupted her contemplations. The flap moved to admit Seeing Eyes with bundles of clothing slung over her arm. Behind her, Bright Blossom followed, shyly glancing at the white girl.

Laying the clothes aside, Seeing Eyes turned and informed Sarah, “We help you dress.” She reached for the tightly held blanket.

The thought of strangers looking at her, dressing her, touching her, was too much. Sarah stared in disbelief and shook her head, taking a step back. “I can dress myself.”

Putting hands to hips, Golden Eagle’s mother spoke sternly, as one might to an unreasonable silly child. “Come now, child. We women. Do we not look the same? Only skin color different. White girl not be shy. We wish to help. Our clothes strange to you.”

With a deep sigh of resignation, Sarah recognized that determined look, the voice that would brook no argument. It was very similar to her son’s. Dropping her arms to her side, Sarah allowed the fur to fall from her body.

Picking up the soft doeskin dress, Seeing Eyes slipped it over Sarah’s head and guided it over the girl’s pale flesh.

The dress, with its V-neck and sleeveless arms, was a perfect fit. Seeing Eyes stood back and gave the white girl a chance to get used to the garment.

Looking down at herself, Sarah studied her new costume. Her love of beautiful pieces of work destroyed her last vestiges of doubt about wearing Indian clothing.

Exquisite bead work, quills and feathers followed the line of the neck. A thin leather thong was cinched at the waist, showing off Sarah’s small waist. The bottom of the midcalf-length dress was decorated with rows of beads above the neatly cut fringe.

Sarah did, however, feel uncomfortable showing so much of her legs and arms. Never had she worn anything so…revealing. Surprisingly, though, she found it was very comfortable and lightweight. Not nearly as binding as the many layers of clothing more familiar to her. She twisted around trying to see all angles. Running her hands down the front of the dress, she marveled at its incredible softness.

Sarah saw pride on Seeing Eyes’s face and remembered seeing this woman sewing the night before.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you,” Sarah exclaimed as she fingered the soft fringe. Cocking her head to the side, curious, Sarah asked the older woman, “You made this?”

Smiling, pleased with Sarah’s response, Seeing Eyes replied, “Yes, child. I make. It please this old woman you like.”

“But you made it so quickly,” Sarah said, voicing her confusion. “You were sewing it when I arrived…” Her voice trailed off.

Bending to retrieve the matching moccasins, Seeing Eyes simply stated, “I saw your coming in my dreams. Please sit.”

Not understanding the strange reply, Sarah did as instructed. Wincing slightly, she lifted a foot and allowed Bright Blossom to fasten the moccasins around her ankles.

Bright Blossom had seen the flash of pain cross the white girl’s face. Seeking to comfort, she said quietly, “Not worry, pain go soon. Is always this way for women the first time our warriors claim us.” She spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

Sarah’s face and neck flamed with shame and humiliation. Rising indignantly to her feet, she exclaimed, “How did know about… Did he tell you what…?” Sarah stammered, her hands flying to press against hot cheeks, horrified that such a private matter could be public knowledge.

Watching Bright Blossom’s smile fade, Sarah felt guilt creep over her. She was taking out her anger on someone who did not deserve it.

“I’m sorry, Bright Blossom. I should not have spoken to you as I did.”

Stepping forward, Seeing Eyes intervened. “You have much to learn, child. My son not say anything. It was expected. When man and woman share tipi they follow nature’s path.”

Hearing Sarah’s groan of disbelief, Seeing Eyes continued, holding out her hands, palms up. “In our world, the mating act between man and woman is natural. Not one to be ashamed. What happened last night between you and my son is natural, was meant to be.”

“But there was no marriage. It is not right to…” Sarah shook her head, unable to express herself.

“Do white men always marry women they take to their sleeping mats?” Seeing Eyes asked the innocent girl.

Shaking her head no, Sarah looked at the two women and confessed, “This is so different. My people, we do not talk about such matters. They are private. Sometimes, even husband and wife do not talk as freely as this.”

At Sarah’s confession, Bright Blossom blurted out, “But how do they know what each feels? How do you know what needs your mate has?” Bright Blossom asked, struggling to voice her shock. “I not mean to anger you. Please, not be mad at Bright Blossom.”

Taking pity on the Indian girl, Sarah smiled. “It’s all right. I can see I have a lot to learn. I will try to be a good learner.” And with that, she stood and let the two women braid her long hair into two plaits and tie them with beaded thongs.

Following Seeing Eyes and Bright Blossom out into the drizzling rain to face her first day in the Indian village, Sarah needed to know one last thing. Hesitantly, she placed her arm upon Seeing Eyes’s shoulder and stopped. “Will your people think badly of me because of…last night?”

Stopping to examine the anxious white girl, Seeing Eyes smiled. “No, child. Here, you be judged on how you work and fit to our way of life. As white captive, you have no choice but to share my son’s sleeping mat.”

Sarah nodded and followed the two women. She vowed she would learn all she could. After all, she was half Indian. Perhaps this new knowledge would be useful, if she ever found her other family.

Riding behind her father and older brother, Wild-Flower observed the group of Indian warriors coming toward them. Even from this distance, she recognized Golden Eagle’s great horse.